FireDiagnostics Suite: A Complete Solution

The FireDiagnostics Suite is the software/firmware solution that runs on FireSpy as well as on its connected host system. The Suite is the most comprehensive collection of 1394 analysis, simulation and interface tools for a wide range of applications. Apart from well-established and hardware-assisted analyzer tools like Monitor, Recorder, Generator, Commander, Scriptor and Mil1394 Signal Monitor, the suite also offers a set of software tools designed to integrate the FireSpy products in a wide variety of testing applications, as well as extend customization of its functionality beyond the baseline feature set provided by DapTechnology.

The foundation for all software tools included in the FireDiagnostics Suite is formed by the Application Programming Interface (API). With its interfaces for development environments like C/C++ and LabVIEWTM on Microsoft WindowsTM operating systems, the application of FireSpy analyzers is extremely flexible. With its feature-rich function library, all hardware-assisted analyzer tools like the Recorder and Generator can be controlled as well as more low-level 1394 bus functions.

Another cornerstone of the FireSpy products is the unparalleled high-level protocol support. Besides the hardware-assisted integration of AS5643/Mil1394, the FireSpy also supports software-based analysis capabilities for consumer and industrial control based applications.

The different protocols require very different implementation details and are therefore very unique in their implementation. However, some key characteristics can be identified and are listed below:

Nested protocol header decoding

Protocol payload separation

Handshake verification

Logical grouping of related transactions

Separate protocol view

Protocol layer CRC and Parity Check

Customization of display details

Additionally, separate applications allow for the modification and extension of the factory default decoding and identification definitions. This extremely powerful and versatile tool enables experienced users to build on top of the standard definitions, engage in early prototyping and benchmarking of protocols still in the specification development process, as well as add proprietary extensions.